Reach the Planet’s Core in DRILLBOUND, the new Incremental Miner where the Mine Fights Back is releasing in 2026!

TimeSeeker and Troglobytes Publishing are excited to announce their project Drillbound, an incremental mining game where you carve your way down to the planet’s core, is coming to Steam in 2026! The title will also feature in June’s Steam Next Fest, so prepare for the demo on June 15th!

In Drillbound, players take control of a powerful drill mounted on a rail, allowed to descend layer by layer through the underground, crushing rock, gathering resources, dodging magma projectiles, and steadily upgrading the machine’s mining power, the job’s simple: push deeper into the depths below. Built around simple controls, satisfying progression, and escalating machinery, Drillbound turns every run into a compact loop of mining, upgrading, unlocking, and breaking through just one more layer. Turn your mined ore bounty into impactful upgrades via the smelter, exchanging bars for permanent power ups!

June’s demo will give players a fresh chance to start drilling, test out the upgrade loop, and experience the first steps toward the planet’s core ahead of launch.

Drillbound – What to Expect:

Drillbound is all about turning small and steady progress into big mining power. Players start with a simple setup and a few seconds to get cracking. Gradually, that once simple drill transforms into a stronger, faster, more efficient drilling operation through upgrades, passives, and unlockable machines. The drill fires automatically, leaving players to focus on smart positioning, resource collection, hazard avoidance, and choosing the right improvements to keep the descent going.

As players descend, each upgrade helps push the drill further into tougher layers of rock. More resources unlock stronger improvements, new machines, and fresh ways to keep the run moving, creating a satisfying progression loop for fans of incremental games, mining games, and active-but-approachable arcade strategy.

Key Features

  • Drill Toward the Planet’s Core – Crush through layers of rock and descend deeper underground in a compact incremental mining adventure.
  • Simple, Active Controls – Move the drill along the rail while it automatically fires, focusing on positioning, timing, and avoiding hazards.
  • Gather Resources & Upgrade Your Drill – Collect materials and invest them into stronger mining power, better efficiency, and deeper progression.
  • Unlock Powerful Machines – Expand your operation with machinery that helps break through the mine in more effective and satisfying ways.
  • Grow Through a Skill Tree – Improve your setup with upgrades and passives that change how you mine and how quickly you progress.
  • Short, Satisfying Progression – Built as a compact incremental experience, Drillbound focuses on steady upgrades, fast feedback, and the constant pull of reaching the next layer.
  • New Demo Coming Soon – Players will be able to try Drillbound ahead of launch with a new and extended demo on June 15th!
  • Proprietary Soundtrack – enjoy a custom soundtrack made especially for the game

“With Drillbound, I wanted to create an experience that’s easy to pick up, satisfying from the very first minute, and constantly rewarding as you push deeper underground,” said TimeSeeker, the solo-developer of Drillbound“I’m excited to finally let players experience my take on incremental games with the new demo, hoping it becomes a highlight for many during the Steam Next Fest.”

“The moment we played Drillbound, we understood its appeal. It takes a simple concept, drills deeper into it with every upgrade, and delivers that irresistible ‘one more run’ feeling that great incremental games thrive on” said the director of publishing at Troglobytes Publishing. “We’re thrilled to be working with TimeSeeker and can’t wait to see players discover what lies beneath the surface.”

Hello there! I'm a 21-year-old university student majoring in Finnish and Korean Language and Literature. I have a deep passion for art and a profound connection to the natural world. My journey through life has been a colorful one, driven by my love for creativity, music, and the wonders of the great outdoors. As a dedicated student, I've already earned a degree in Classic Cantos, a testament to my appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical music. Beyond the classroom, my artistic spirit thrives through my love for painting and drawing. These creative outlets allow me to express my thoughts and emotions, transforming blank canvases into vibrant stories. My interests go far beyond music and art. Singing, playing the piano, and exploring new melodies are integral parts of my life, providing me with both solace and exhilaration. When I'm not immersed in the world of art and music, I find solace in nature's embrace. My heart is drawn to animals and the serene beauty of the natural world, fueling my desire to protect and preserve our precious environment.